Showing posts with label wire sculpture. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wire sculpture. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Influences: Sculptor Alexander Calder

Calder in his Paris studio, 14 Rue de la Colonie, fall 1931. Photograph by Marc Vaux
At the local library I stumbled upon a children's book about Alexander Calder and it brought it all back. The fascination I felt when I first saw his wire work and a video of his Circus. When I saw it at my local museum I had that feeling of gratitude you feel after having experienced something wonderful. I feel that when I'm hiking through a forest, or traveling with my husband. Just so grateful to have had the experience and the knowledge that your life was changed for the better because of it. For those who haven't seen a video of Calder's Cirque I've included it below. It's just charming.



Untitled, 1938
Wood, wire, sheet mtal, string, and paint
81" x 96"
Private Collection
A12975
Alexander Calder is also the creator of mobiles. They are instantly recognizable and so so beautiful. Like watching a cloud drift across the sky.
What artists have influenced you? I'd love to know so please leave a comment!





















Sunday, March 21, 2010

How to Artfully Display Ribbon

Oh- it was such a lovely discovery. I was cleaning up my art room yesterday and wondering what to do with the pile of ribbon I had. Right then they were in a heap. Not too organized or pretty. Then in one of those moments of inspiration I looked up at the wall where I'd hung a wire bird cage I'd made and Voila'- I had it! I hung the ribbons on the bottom wire of the birdcage and let them drape, and then added a couple of clothespins to secure. Lovely, simple, and I really enjoy seeing the cascading colors as they hang on my studio wall.

Excited and inspired, I made another little birdcage, this one with the bird outside the cage, and used the clothespins to pin up an old postcard of Paris, and a photo of Venice. Like you, I love to be surrounded by beauty and art. But in a small home, the wall space is dear. I need it for storage as well as display. This little discovery does both- it creates an artful display.

Now I'm looking around my home again, wondering what else I could enlist in my fight against chaos. What could I create that would be both practical and artful? It's a question that often results in inspirations for me. What could you design to help you with some of your design dilemma's? Think about it a bit and I bet you'll be inspired as well!

BTW- The birdcage at left is going into my Etsy shop tomorrow morning. So if you think it would look nice hanging in your studio as well, please stop by!!!